Psychology

Chae Rose

Lecturer, Psychology
chae.rose@jcu.edu.au

Lucy Bird

Postdoctoral Research Fellow
lucy.bird@jcu.edu.au

Nerina Caltabiano

Adjunct Professor
nerina.caltabiano@jcu.edu.au

Kannan Singaravelu Jaganathan

Lecturer Psychology
kannan.singaravelujaganathan@jcu.edu.au

Janine Lurie

Lecturer, Psychology
janine.lurie@jcu.edu.au

Liza van Eijk

Senior Lecturer, Psychology
liza.vaneijk@jcu.edu.au

Marie Caltabiano

Adjunct Professor
marie.caltabiano@jcu.edu.au

Kerry McBain

Associate Professor
kerry.mcbain@jcu.edu.au

Multiple sclerosis patient risk perception of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy with natalizumab extended-interval dosing; a prospective patient semi-structured interview

Liza van Eijk - Psychology

15 Dec 2025 - 01 Jul 2030

This study aims to explore how multiple sclerosis (MS) patients view the risks and benefits of natalizumab (Tysabri) treatment, especially when it is given less frequently than the standard schedule. Some patients receive natalizumab under extended-interval dosing/EID, every 6 weeks, instead of the standard schedule/SID every 4 weeks. The rationale behind this dosing strategy is to reduce the risk of the rare but serious brain infection, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This study seeks to elucidate how patients feel about natalizumab, what information they were given, and how it influenced their decisions. Adults diagnosed with MS who are currently receiving natalizumab are invited to take part in a one-on-one interview.

Successfully teaching and learning statistics in the wake of COVID19

Amanda Krause - Psychology

Shifting student perceptions: Igniting interest in psychology research subjects through alumni career successes.

Amanda Krause - Psychology

Trialling annotated assessment guidelines.

Amanda Krause - Psychology

Preparing ‘healthcare scientists’ for placement: Developing a pre-placement training workshop to enhance graduate readiness in science-based allied health disciplines.

Amanda Krause - Psychology

Textbook affordability project: Psychology resource library

Amanda Krause - Psychology

Exploring Student Perspectives on Generative artificial intelligence Integration in Education

Liza van Eijk - Psychology

The Impact of Daily Physical Activity and Sleep on Resting Heart Rate and Resting Heart Rate Variability in Individuals with High and Low Stress Load

Zoltan Sarnyai - Psychology

01 Jun 2026 - 01 Jun 2027

It is known that regular physical activity decreases resting heart rate (RHR) and increases resting heart rate variability (HRV), while chronic stress increases RHR and decreases resting HRV. Although it is recommended that stressed individuals exercise to reduce their stress burden, it is unclear if they benefit from exercise to the same extent as those who do not experience stress overload. A current gap in the literature is the lack of studies investigating cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning in individuals with different chronic stress loads. The current project aims to investigate the differences in long-term ANS responses to daily physical activity in people experiencing high versus low chronic stress. We hypothesize that individuals who experience chronic stress exhibit a blunted autonomic response (less decrease in RHR and less increase in resting HRV) to daily exercise due to an inability to regulate parasympathetic activation effectively. Therefore, in this regard they won’t benefit from regular exercise as much as those who don’t experience chronic stress, owing to their decreased autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactivity. In order to test this hypothesis, we would like to benefit from the TILES2018 dataset.

Professionally Psyched: A Podcast to build professional identity, career clarity, and belongingness

Connar McShane - Psychology

01 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025

JCU Learning & Teaching Innovation Grant

“Bonus Chats”: A podcast series to build professional identity

Connar McShane - Psychology

01 Jul 2024 - 31 Dec 2024

This project will use a podcast series to build professional identity within the psychology undergraduate cohort. The 15- minute podcast episodes will feature staff, PhD and Honours students discussing their research and contemporary issues relevant to the discipline. Research has shown that professional identity is important in the retention of people to organisations and careers. This project aims to build a sense of belongingness and community with the psychology undergraduate students through a creative and flexible delivery that showcases the diversity and opportunities within the psychology discipline. Improved retention, performance and engagement are the ultimate long-term goals.